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Basement Waterproofing - Profitable Return On Investment

March 10th, 2010

Basement remodeling proves to be an excellent investment, provided they are permanent solutions to flooding. Wet basements can hardly attract prospective home buyers’. Basement remodeling creates or adds to the living and storage space to one’s home by nearly 33% to 50%.  The 2005 cost vs. value report of the remodeling magazine has indicated that a home owner can recoup 90.1% of the basement renovating expenses at the time of resale. Basement waterproofing is the permanent solution to basement mold that ruins the health of the family.  And this is why waterproofing ranks the highest in terms of basement improvement. Hence, fixing them becomes more of an investment than an expense and its priority increases among all the home remodeling options available to a home-owner. In such situations, it’s safe to emphasize that basement waterproofing offers one of the highest long term investment returns.

RESALE VALUE OF A HOME vs. BASEMENT

basement-waterproofingA recently published report shows nearly 92 % of prospective home buyers avoid purchasing a home with wet basement. These studies have been supported by historical data maintained over the years.

Water leakage is one of the main basement problems depreciating a home’s resale value by 25 %. Most realtors disapprove selling a property with flooded basement and counsel their clients to fix basement leaks, before putting up their house for sale.

Thus solving basement flooding and other woes become the top priority for home owners. The first thing to check is the sump pump, ensuring the water drains first before reaching the basement floor. Any sump pump failure repair might cost more to the home owner than what it might take to replace the entire sump pump.

ADVANTAGES OF A BASEMENT

While it may come as a surprise, basement gives substantial usable space to a home. It can be used as a home theatre, a home office, a basement studio, a bedroom, a playroom and as an office. It not only adds 30 % floor space to a home, but also appreciates the value of a home by 30 to 50 percent.

basement-waterproofing-2Basement is a lucrative solution to get a significant floor area enhancement with a marginal increase in the overall building cost. Heat loss through walls and basement floors are less than those at upper floor and ground levels. A housing expert research concludes that homes with well maintained basements experience 10 % rise in energy efficiency.

Most self builders have recognized the extra storage space and flexible livings provided by basements and have even utilized them as swimming pools, gymnasiums, utility rooms, guest bedroom suites and home offices. This has given birth to a greater demand for houses with basement.

A waterproofed basement not only offers extra space for living, it also meets the need for better sustainability. A well-maintained basement guarantees peace of mind to homeowners year after year, withstanding heavy snowfall and torrential rainfall successfully.  Basement repairs ensure health by implementing indoor air quality control and eliminating the chances for breeding of harmful bacteria. Thus a remodeled basement is sure to make your home the most sought-after investment in today’s competitive real estate market.

For more on basement related solutions, click on to www.keystonebasementsystems.com

“Keystone Basement Systems, Inc. is a foundation repair company. KBS is not, however, an engineering firm and should not be considered as such.”

Source:

http://www.basementwaterproofingtips.com/Interior_Basement_Waterproofing.html

http://www.b-dry.com/wet-basement-leak.html
http://www.decoproducts.com/
http://www.finishedbasementideas.com/basement/cost_finishing_basement.html

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

SNOW, ICE AND BASEMENT WOES

February 26th, 2010

Basement flooding and damage is common during rainy and winter seasons. Each year, millions are spent for damp proofing basements. Many Americans are unaware but moisture due to snowfall can cause the same amount of damage to the basement as water logging can. In this article we would like to share our thoughts about snow and its adverse impact on the basement.

WHAT IS SNOW?

Snow is different from frozen rain. Basically, it is water trapped in solid form. Snowflakes are created within clouds by tiny crystals that stick together post-collision. Most snowflakes melt, and, on reaching the ground, fall as rain. Snow falls only when the air near the ground appears cold enough.

snow-and-basement-1Excessive moisture damages basement in two ways-

 Wet snow with or below freezing ground – Here, the snow accumulates on ground and appears sticky, thanks to the high partial liquid content.

 Wet snow with or above freezing ground – Wet snow contains high amount of liquid as soon as it reaches the surface. It is composed of 50 % water. It receives liquid content by partially melting before hitting the ground. Here, very less snow accumulates on ground.

BASEMENT PROBLEMS DUE TO MELTING SNOW

Sometimes, melting snow causes extreme basement problems. Winter has its own problem altogether. The moment the snow melts on ground, it runs off towards foundation from where it seeps into wall cracks, fissuring into the thawed ground.

When ice dams build up on roofs from melting snow, it eventually weakens the walls, besides leaking into basements. You can prevent ice buildup by using de-icing cables near roof edge and in downspouts and gutters. Don’t pile snow against the house. Ensure the sump pump hose discharge doesn’t have low spots for the water to get collected and freeze.

While experiencing freeze, disconnect the discharge pipe or hose and bring it indoors so that it thaws out. The moment the ice is freed, reconnect the pipe or hose, ensuring the water drains nearly 10 feet away from basement foundation.

Don’t wait for snowfall or rainy season for basement waterproofing. Leaky basements mean stepping in the water in the stocking feet. Usually, this happens during fall rainy, spring or winter season. Before calling for waterproof-ed, conduct an estimate and repair. The best time is dry months and winter.

snow-and-basement-2Additional steps to prevent basement flooding

To curb basement flooding, homeowners might take few steps:-

 Watch for standing water pooling on the ground and those running down a house foundation

 Drain away any melting snow from the ground and roof

Things to be considered for spring runoff:-

 Clear roof drains of snow, ice and other obstructions, ensuring that the melting snow doesn’t spill over and flows properly.

 Drain water at about two meters from the external walls and also run into land allowing it to simply flow away from the house.

 For excess snow, check roof and eaves troughs.

 Shovel snow away from basement window sills wherever possible.

 Remove snow build-up and ice ridges on ground preventing water from draining into the streets.

 Don’t shovel snow into the streets as it can stop drainage.

For any questions about your home’s flood prevention, seek assistance from basement waterproofing experts. We at keystone basement solutions, are always available at your disposal. For more details, please click on to www.keystonebasementsystems.com

“Keystone Basement Systems, Inc. is a foundation repair company. KBS is not, however, a engineering firm and should not be considered as such.”

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Posted in Basic Information, Remedial measures | 2 Comments »

Views to Save on Construction Cost

February 18th, 2010

What could be the most cherished and proud possession one can have? Although, this is more likely to be a subjective matter, short-listing the optimal universal answer would not be an issue. Besides, I am quite sure you will agree with me your own ‘edifice ‘will be among your cherished possessions.

Creating something so large and important, which bears your mark on it, doesn’t come very easy on you. (And this factor, does not necessarily apply only to personal constructions, but to civic structures, too.) In this article, we would like to share some tips for cheering up your pocket.

Before we share our thoughts, it would be more helpful if you know which aspect of construction incurs the major part of the expenditure. According to most of the construction research reports published and as per the statements from engineers, major part of the investment is directed to the material cost (around 60%). 30% of the total budget is spent on labour, and approximately 10% cost is exhausted on miscellaneous aspects.

As per the ‘Building Materials and Technology Promotion Council , Government of India’, (as shown in the figure) major part of the total construction expenditure originates from the purchases of foundation structure-materials (like cement and bricks), followed by labour cost and fees for different professionals. Other disbursement is done on things like plumbing, paints, flooring, etc.

construction-costs4Having shared the relevant information about the construction costs, we will now share our thoughts on how one can pull down the construction cost by paying attention to the important aspects of constructing a building The Structure Outline

It is said, “Your best efforts are made before even you break the ground”. This is so true! Outlining the structure is nothing but making of a ‘laddering chart analysis’ that scrutinizes the deliverables in a project. Each succeeding level in this plan embodies a progressively more detailed description of each project deliverable. It also identifies a timeline required to complete a particular construction.

This systematic ‘branching off’ of the tasks, makes it very easy for the project manager to adhere to the timeline, making it possible to function as planned, and in response expurgating the likelihood of increase in the budget.

Pre-Commencement Estimation: Keeping in mind the estimation of costs (or your maximum budget), you should first plan and design carefully on the paper. This avoids blunders in the initial cost of construction and construction material, utilities, maintenance, etc.

Avoid unnecessary and (insanely) expensive features, which you can live without, despite not missing out much on the luxury part. But economical construction should not be confused with inferior construction. Poor quality of labour and substandard material can never be “cost-effective” in long run. Maintenance and repair cost in the future, very soon tires out the initial savings achieved by commencing inferior construction.

Discount Contractor Supplies: Some contractors can avail the discount on construction hardware as well as household appliances supplies. The manufacturers, from whom the discount is gained can be of an affluent status, ensuring the durability of the product. So getting discount doesn’t necessarily mean getting a shoddy product.

The supplies that are generally covered in the contractor discounts are fasteners (nuts and bolts, screws, nails, etc.), lumber, drywall, electrical appliances, plumbing materials, etc.

To look for a substantially low-cost discount contractor, internet is a good option. Many websites offer discount to their members through major outlets. These web-based outlets offer low prices on many items that builders and renovators use on regular basis. Other way to find such discounted home supplies is to visit discount home supply outlet that have such supplies at much lower cost than you find in any big chain-store.

You may also want to consider the option of using recycled materials that are retrieved from demolition sites. These materials are inspected and are in usable condition. These tools are available at much lower cost than others, moreover its environment friendly and avoids the waste of resources.

Green Construction:As the name suggests, you might as well have figured out that this is a practice that engages into building structures and using edifice methods that are environment friendly. In this practice more recycled materials are used while constructing buildings.

However, talking in regards with the cost, green techniques might come across as more expensive procedures, due to modern technologies. The saving of money, in case of green constructions, doesn’t come from the up-front cost, but rather it shows in the form of life-cycle cost. The buildings constructed by using green technology, are designed to consume little or no utility-supplied energy. You save money in the long run, by using more environment-efficient utilities that result in reduced energy bills. This gains you a tremendous benefit, when the prices of coal, oil, and natural gas seem to be mounting constantly. As a bottom-line you conserve resources and cut down on wastes, resulting in saving more money.

Good Drainage System Installation: There are certain aspects, while undertaking a construction work, which can not (and must not) be taken nonchalantly. Setting up the perfect drainage system is definitely one such thing. Disposing of the waste is a very critical task, which if not carried out properly or is performed using poor quality materials, causes not only lot of frustration and fatigue, but also a ridiculous money-squander on reassembling a new drainage system. Always make sure to select a competent drainage-system material, even though it costs a little more. This will be your one-time expenditure, and it will be money-well-spent.

“Keystone Basement Systems, Inc. is a foundation repair company. KBS is not, however, a engineering firm and should not be considered as such.”

Source http://www.bmtpc.org/COST_OF_CONSTRUCTION/cost_of_construction_stage_wise.htm

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Posted in Advice, Basic Information, Remedial measures | 1 Comment »

Which Purchasing Aspect Is Important To You : Price or Quality

January 29th, 2010

Paying a little extra for quality is not a bad decision. However there is an exception to every rule. In this article we are trying to share our thoughts on why ‘Quality’ should be the prime condition while choosing a service or product.

price-vs-qualityIn a normal scenario, ‘Price’ is one of the several factors that shape a customer’s purchase decision. Every one of us wants to buy products/services at the best possible price but at the same time would not want to compromise on quality. Even if it means to pay a little extra from our pocket for a durable item or effectual service.

Various research on customer buying habits has been conducted and the studies reveal that   buying habits are grouped in two classes:-

Price First – When a buyer is almost exclusively concerned with price and considers the purchase as the best deal when he pays the least.

Quality First – The purchaser gives value to the quality of the product and does not hesitate to spend extra to own the product. In short the quality of the product gets a greater importance than its price.
price-vs-value-1
While it is good to be frugal in purchases, it is advised not to compromise on quality. A product or service that is charged less does not mean that they cannot offer value. But not all products and services can come at a considerably low cost. Price is certainly the determining factor for the value of services and goods.

For those who believe buying cheap is penny-wise, read on.

How quality saves money and time

Time is money. And purchases made from the perspective of quality first saves you in many ways. Below are some of them:-

* Decreased frustration and increased efficiency due to superior performance
* Reduction in frequency of replacement of items
* Decreased bothering with things such as purchase returns due to poor manufacturing
* Less money and time on repairs
* As high quality items are accompanied with better warranties, you spend less energy and time worrying

The main reason why most customers stick to low-priced purchases is that they fail to involve cost of time as a parameter. Although for every such purchase customers are found to spend their valuable time on repairs and the strain aroused due to frustration of the bad quality of the service/products. They fail to understand how much they gain by spending an additional US$ 200 during their initial purchase decision.

Plan your purchases by maintaining balance

price-vs-quality-4Ultimately, quality and price considerations make purchasing a balancing act for customers. Despite the truth shared above, you cannot simply assume that an item/service of high cost will render  higher quality. There are limitations on how much you should pay in terms of quality.

Remember – the next time you go out to buy, don’t just be concerned about the price. Define your needs, do your homework in terms of finding the economical bid for the service/product you are planning to purchase, stick to your plan, trust your research results and settle with a quality item at a reasonable rate.

Price Vs Quality – The ultimate balancing act

Product manufacturing firms constantly strive to achieve two seemingly conflicting goals – assure their products are of high quality while maintaining low costs. Though resolving these two conflicting issues is futile, structured approach towards both can help.

Typically, price versus quality conundrum is approached in many ways. Common options involve:-

* Changing the design to accommodate lower-priced products of same quality
* Extensively research prices of branded products from various suppliers
* Substitute lower-cost brand based equivalent after design sign-off
* Substitute non-branded and its lower-cost equivalent again after finalizing the initial design

These approaches help develop a high-quality and cost-effective product. Nevertheless, one must carefully consider which approach will be best suited for the given h circumstance, as every approach has its own limitations and strengths.

Design changing

price-vs-quality-5Certain elements of design are changed to meet the price point for the finished product. For instance, an engineer might replace a high density connector with a bigger (lower-density) one. Following design sign-off, such changes are difficult. They also impact the functionality of the product, affect marketing time and are time consuming, making the option inappropriate.

Researching prices extensively

Every time a product is purchased, engineers can try to find the chosen item at a low rate. Maximum consistency is reached in having the same branded product. Unfortunately, finding a lower price could be time-consuming. While large firms do have purchasing departments to conduct this research, many aren’t big enough to make extensive price related comparisons.

For a lower cost, the value of searching depends on the quantities involved. As large price based differences are rare, hence, if the production run appears small, the savings aren’t worth the trouble and time.

However, small savings can definitely impact the company’s bottom line. Some branded products are less expensive, as the supplier, unknowingly or knowingly, has purchased fake or counterfeit products. Often, counterfeit products have issues with respect to consistency and quality, which make them sub-standard compared to non-branded, generic and branded products. Unfortunately, ferreting out and identifying counterfeits has become highly difficult, which is another vital consideration.

Replacement of Brand Name

Alternatively, engineers might try to exchange an originally specified component with its equivalent brand. Somewhat, this would reduce the costs, but searching and qualifying replacement product could be time consuming. Development schedule could also be affected, adversely impacting the time-to-market, outweighing the overall savings by the cost of alternative brand qualifying.

Any substitution may carry an inherent risk of consistency and quality. However, that risk may be dramatically mitigated based on suppliers.

Non-Branded Replacement

Engineers may finally exchange branded connectors with significantly less expensive and unbranded one.

Of course, a non-brand products would carry inherent quality-based risk. Nevertheless, it could be dramatically mitigated by a careful selection of the supplier.  When purchases are made from reliable supplier, there’s a greater advantage of using non-branded products.

While brand name owners rightfully consider non-branded products as risky, one must not forget that they are also protecting their own interests. In most cases well-developed brands command higher prices, thereby generating huge profits for owners. Thanks to volume, brand names have multiple distribution layers, which cause the prices to rise even further.

Due to this reason, rightly selected non-brand names is sure to offer the highest savings.  For instance, buyers may save a substantial amount, nearly 20 to 30 percent and even more on non-branded products than the branded ones.

Not to forget that the success of this work approach depends on the engineer’s  ability to identify suppliers who are reputed for meeting both , cost and quality requirements.

Below we would like to share our thoughts about choosing an appropriate supplier:–

* Be experienced at buying directly from manufacturers
* Undergo long term relationship with suppliers who offer at low-cost
* Pay a visit to potential suppliers to better assess their adherence to quality
* Test whether the product adheres to specifications and quality
* Have a substantial purchasing power and
* Start guaranteeing its products

A typical engineer may use all such approaches at one instance or the other. An important thing is that the engineer carefully evaluates the alternative approaches, maintaining cost-competitiveness and product quality, consequently enhancing to her or his bottom line. Though it won’t be that simple, in the present global scenario, balancing quality and cost is an important component to a firm’s profitability and health.

“Keystone Basement Systems, Inc. is a foundation repair company. KBS is not, however, a engineering firm and should not be considered as such.”

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Posted in Basic Information, Consultants | 11 Comments »

Damp Proofing Membranes

January 8th, 2010

Water seepage is a central causal agent in the declension or deterioration in building edifices and elements. Rain water collects in the ground around a house and, more often than not, slowly seeps into the foundation causing an excess of moisture which further aids the growth of mold and fungi that corrode and eat away into wood. This action of ground water seeping into the foundation of a house by means of capillary action is known as ‘rising damp’. Rising damp, a serious issue which cannot be overlooked, is a health hazard and ruins the décor of the structure as well. This phenomenon of rising ground moisture can be controlled and avoided by damp proofing the structure.

There are several techniques available today by which a building can be protected from the effects of pervasive nature of moisture. Damp proofing membrane systems are very convenient procedures to treating rising damp. A common and practical alternative to the more traditional methods like chemical Damp Proofing Course (DPC) and the application of treated paints and external water repellents; damp proofing membranes are more user friendly. The application of damp proofing membranes is a preferred practice since it requires nominal preparation, it is easy and quick to install, it is congenial and responsive to any structure, can be inverted and aerated making it ideal for restoration projects.

According to the International Residential Building Code, a building must be damp proofed when setting down the foundation. If a building is not waterproofed, a damp proofing is an essential process that cannot be avoided. Any habitable space below grade level must be treated with an application of bituminous coating or a damp proofing membrane in order to be habitable. The membrane fills pores, gaps and spaces that form in the concrete, sealing moisture from getting into the interior foundation by capillary action. Damp proofing the top of the footing is also recommended by the building code, this will prevent water from rising up from the footing into the foundation.

A Damp proofing membrane, very basically, is a layer of an impervious material like asphalt or an underlay plastic sheet, which can be placed either under or over the ground slab. Similar to tanking, damp proof membranes are built to prevent wood decay and rot caused by ground moisture seepage. Surface damp proof membranes are usually made of mastic asphalt and placed over the ground slab. Used most often in cases where a suspended floor is constructed to replace the existing solid floor.

Damp proofing can be applied by two methods, the solid application and the chemical or fluid application. The solid application is the addition of a layer of impermeable material like asphalt or creosote based products, whereas the fluid application is the process of injecting epoxy based chemicals into the foundation. The liquid application is usually applied to the ground layer by using a trowel, brush, roller or spray. In order to protect the applied membrane from damage, protective boards which work as drainage composites are applied over the liquid membrane. This also provides better protection from water vapor and also acts as a channel for extra water to drain out. Damp proofing membranes are also available in the peel and stick variety. These membranes bind with the EPC in the ground floor, some stick on membranes recommend the application of a formulated primer on the surface to further enhance the cohesive properties of the membrane.

Damp proofing is often confused with water proofing. Although similar, waterproofing is very different from damp proofing. Damp proofing is a process by which water vapor accumulation is retarded by the addition of a layer of impermeable material. Damp proofing is an age old method to prevent from water and salt decay in buildings. However, apart from slowing down water vapor transmission, damp proofing does not fill in cracks in the foundation. Most of damp proofing membranes become brittle, whereas some dissolve in ground water after a while.  Yet, damp proofing is more commonly used by builders as it is cheaper.

Waterproofing on the other hand, a more expensive project to undertake, seals a building from rising water moisture caused by hydrostatic pressure. The compounds used when waterproofing are designed to put a stop to water. Water proofing uses a rubber based material that is capable of stretching over time, thus covering cracks as time wears the foundation of the structure down. Environmentally friendly, waterproofing materials have varying compositions. Some are urethane based, some are asphalt or concrete based, where others are clay based and then there are rubber based polymers as well. All these compounds can spread over the foundation, bridging gaps created in the foundation as time settles. When installed correctly water proofing can keep a basement dry for years to come.

Consult an expert who can help you take a wise decision. If you are a resident of Pennsylvania suffering from basement problems and if your house is located in any of these regions, call us at 800 771 – 3244 or visit us at

http://www.keystonebasementsystems.com/about-us.html. Schedule your appointment and seek solution to your basement woes, now!

“Keystone Basement Systems, Inc. is a foundation repair company. KBS is not, however, a engineering firm and should not be considered as such.”

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Posted in Advice, Basic Information, Remedial measures | 8 Comments »

WHY DO CONTRACTORS FAIL? – Significant Observation

December 18th, 2009

By Aaron J. Stull
Owner/President - Keystone Basement Systems, Inc.
AStull@keystonebasementsystems.com

Last week, I was speaking with a colleague of mine who is also in the basement repair field and the discussion of quality came up.  We have both observed that in lean economic times many businesses slash their prices in an effort to attract customers with little regard for the quality of products and services they render.  In an effort to offer “the lowest price” they compromise on fundamental aspects or use materials of inferior quality.  Although this may bring some short-term success to the contractor, in the long run the customers will express their frustration that will doom the reputation of the company.

Events That Lead to Contractor Failure

contractors-failContractor failure are usually the result of multiple causes. The Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA) reviewed 86 claims cases and identified the top factors related to contractor failure:

Unrealistic Growth

•   Change in type of work performed
•   Expansion into a new geographic area
•   Significant increase in the size of individual projects
•   Rapid or over-expansion

Performance Issues

•  Inexperience with new scope or types of work
•  Personnel do not have adequate training or experience
•  Insufficient personnel

Character Issues

•   Contractor retires, dies, sells company, changing leadership or focus
•   No ownership or management transition plan to ensure continuity in the event of death or disability

Accounting Issues

•  Inadequate cost and project management systems
•  Estimating or procurement problems
•  Lack of adequate insurance
•  Improper accounting practices (not adhering to the AICPA Audit Guide for Construction Contractors)

Management Issues

•   Key staff leaves company
•   Staff inadequately trained on company policy and operations
•   Insufficient or incapable personnel at upper management or project level
•   Failure to maintain solid accounting and management systems to track costs and billing

Other Factors

•  Economic down-turn and high inflation
•  Weather delays
•  Poor site conditions and/or building plans
•  Labor difficulties (lack of skilled labor)
•  Material and equipment shortages
•  Owner’s inability to pay
•  Onerous contract terms

“Keystone Basement Systems, Inc. is a foundation repair company. KBS is not, however, a engineering firm and should not be considered as such.”

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Posted in Advice, Certified Professionals | 30 Comments »

Basics On Framing The Basement Wall

December 16th, 2009

Basement is a multipurpose area of a house which can be converted into a workout area, a garage, an entertainment room or a laundry, depending upon the homeowner’s requirement. Before you frame your basement walls, it is important to ensure your room is free of leak and moisture. Read further to know how you can frame your basement walls.

BASEMENT WALL FRAMING:

basement-framing-1 The first step to frame the basement walls is to design the wall layout. This step will ensure the ceiling joists are closely lined up with the wall studs. One must also ensure to keep the ground floor joists in place.

 On the basement floor, mark chalk lines to spot the walls. Install 2” x 4” treated lumber for the floor plates. Treated lumber is the best remedy to avoid the risk of damage caused to the construction due tof moisture.

 To bolt bottom plates in correct position, use concrete screw gun.

 Directly install the ceiling plates, just above the floor plates. Instead of a treated one, go for regular 2” x 4” lumber. Now, using framing nails, fix plates beneath the ground floor joists.

 When you take the studs in floor joists as reference point, start fixing wall studs on the 16”center. When you line the studs up, actually, you offer easy access for wiring, venting and plumbing process in the future.

 Slight level variations are a must in concrete floor. Hence, first measure and then cut the studs individually.

 To secure the studs’ top and bottom to floor plates and ceiling, use a framing nail gun. The nails must be inserted at 45 degrees.basement-framing-2

 Make sure that there is a minimum of ½ inch gap between the existing basement concrete walls and the newly framed walls. This decreases the formation of moisture on the concrete’s inside, preventing the dampening of wood.

VAPOR BARRIER INSTALLATION

Checking the basement condition before considering the vapor barrier installation is quite important. Basements having various unfinished cement walls get waterproofed with certain special sealants. Nevertheless, in case you finish basement with false walls or drywall sheets, there are various things to remember.

WHY A VAPOR BARRIER?

There are various schools of thought on vapor barrier and its effectiveness, also called as vapor retarder. Such protective sheets are secured to the basement walls to prevent moisture that seeps into the walls of the home. Moisture affecting walls can cause a serious problem with mildew, mold and rot.
vapor-barrier-5
Let us also look at the various other problems that are caused due to moisture:-

 The barrier isn’t correctly positioned or loosely installed around pipes, outlets and various other connecting regions

 Vapor barrier facing insulation is installed when the barrier, rather than facing the wall, faces the room

 With an attached vapor barrier, supplemental insulation gets layered over any existing insulation

 Any such circumstance would render vapor barrier completely useless

The following materials are used as vapor retarders:-

 Paper-backed insulation, known also as Kraft paper that faces UI
 Paper-backed aluminum
 Visquine (polyethylene plastic sheet)
 Rigid insulation and
 Roofing membrane sheets

NECESSITY OF INSTALLING VAPOR BARRIERS IN BASEMENTS

The necessity of vapor barrier installation in the basement area arises based on the necessity and the direction faced by the barrier for moisture prevention. As a matter of fact, not all homes require such application.
Below is a simple thumb rule as guidance:-

 If the area where you reside remains cold for more than six months, better install vapor protection internally, with the barrier facing the interior of the wall or the warm side. This keeps moisture from condensation and from reaching outside walls.

 If it is humid and hot where you live, better install vapor protection externally, with the barrier facing the exterior or the warm side of the wood or siding. This helps to prevent the moisture from getting into the inside walls.

 If you have an even season mix, you wouldn’t require a vapor retarder at all. Review your area’s local building codes to find what most professionals recommend.

 Always note – if you pour a basement floor made of concrete, regardless of where you stay, you would require a vapor barrier. In most situations, what works is a cross-laminated polyethylene sheet. For more direction, check with your local hardware store.

TIPS TO INSTALL VAPOR BARRIERS IN BASEMENT

 Always check the walls for damage, including existing moisture and cracks. Before adding a barrier, these need to be repaired

 Before placing insulation and studs, most building experts recommend vapor barrier installation in basement

 Staple the material to the studs, if they already are in place. Simply pull it across tightly and, as far as possible, flatly cover large surfaces

 Ensure that you don’t cut or tear the material

 Use a sealant to secure the material and align your barrier right up to the pipes, electrical outlets, windows and various other obstructions

 Now install non-faced insulation over vapor barrier. In case the insulation has an already attached barrier, or if you install a new insulation over the old, create long cuts so as to avoid the bubble effect. Moisture may seep between barriers, leading to rotting in insulation

 If your insulation has the attached protection, you need not install vapor retardant. However, remember – the insulation side faces the exterior and the paper barrier side faces interior

 Try not to manipulate insulation in any manner. It need not be stretched, puffed or fluffed, and, while doing so, may tear attached barriers. Simply unroll and thereafter put it up

 Some rigid insulation also serve as vapor barriers. To see if the selection pulls double -duty, check your coding

 Based on the basement size, it takes four hours for two people. Depending on the type of material used and the square footage, the material costs change. To ensure you don’t require a permit, check the building codes of your area

 Also, when handling insulation, take necessary precautions. Wear long sleeves, work gloves, eye protection and a face mask

IS WOOD BETTER OR METAL FOR SUBTERRANEAN SPACES?

While renovating basements most choose to use metal studs for wall framing purposes. The decision is fully dependent on measuring the advantages and disadvantages of both metal and wood studs.

metal-studs-3Below are certain parameters that would help draw a good comparison between metal and wood studs:-

 Convenience: Here, metal wins easily over wood. It appears much lighter compared to wood, and, takes just the space of one lumber piece. This makes transportation easier. Usually, metal is cut with the help of aviation snips, meaning absence of sawdust. Nevertheless, one should wear gloves to protect the hands. Also, care has to be exercised to clean up the small pieces that end up on the floor

 Strength: Compared to the two materials, wood is sturdier. Though metal appears flimsy, once drywall gets screwed to it, it seems rigid and strong.Nevertheless, metal won’t be suitable for heavy mirrors or hanging cabinets. Most metal framing don’t have structural strength. They can only be used for partition walls

 Forgiveness: In case you make mistakes in measurements or if the stud isn’t vertical, as most metal studs are attached with the screws, moving and removing them is extremely simple

 Cost: Initially, it appears metal is inexpensive compared to wood. Nevertheless, the cost of electrical boxes for metal studs is more. And unless shielded BX cable is used, plastic grommets are used to run standard electric wires. Metal also needs screws for construction purposes and for attaching moldings. Though the initial lumber cost appears more than the metal studs, the additional metal costs put things evenly placed

 Stableness: Unlike metal, wood is more prone to warping and twisting. While wood wicks moisture metal rusts. Hence a sill gasket or a vapour barrier is required between concrete floor and bottom plate

 Ecological concerns: Sometimes, metal framing are promoted as an eco-friendly solution for wood. Nevertheless, both have their negative and positive points. Timber comes from trees. Generally, cutting trees down is considered bad for environment although wood is a renewable source. Though wood scraps are biodegradable, most end up in landfill
metal-studs-2Metal can be easily recycled. Generally, recycling is believed to be good for environment, but metal-recycling causes some amount of pollution. The metal- ore has to be refined and mined to produce metal, which negatively impacts the environment.

 Fire related concerns: Unlike wood, metal is incombustible. A wall constructed with metal- studs is virtually fire-resistant

 Transfer of Cold: As metal is a good conductor of cold, metal studs transfer the cold. Hence, rigid foam insulation or polystyrene are recommended between metal and the outside wall. With wood, the transfer of cold is less

The choice of the material is purely based on the homeowner’s preference; however, consultation from an expert can do wonders to your basement.

Check with a professional in your area who can help you take the best and effective measure to keep your basement dry even during the rains.  If you are a resident of Pennsylvania suffering from basement problems and if your house is located in any of these regions, call us at 800 771 – 3244 or visit us at

http://www.keystonebasementsystems.com/about-us.html. Schedule your appointment and seek solution to your basement woes, now!

“Keystone Basement Systems, Inc. is a foundation repair company. KBS is not, however, a engineering firm and should not be considered as such.”

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Posted in Advice, Basic Information, Remedial measures | 16 Comments »

SMART SUGGESTIONS TO DEAL BASEMENT FLOODING

December 8th, 2009

Basement flooding has assumed serious proportions in United States and Canada with nearly 80,000 incidents each year and many others remaining unreported. Apart from the inconvenience and mess, floods cause structural damage and health hazards.
basement-flooding-1Simple preventive measures to combat basement flooding are undertaken by homeowners, like downspouts extension away from the foundation.  Most other solutions require professional help such as installation of flood-proof device.

This involves explanation of sump pump operation, municipal sewer system and sources of additional information. Basement flooding is a serious problem and has various negative consequences much beyond and above inconvenient disruption and household routine mess.

Recent research has cited the following impacts:-

 Chronically wet houses contribute to respiratory ailments

 Frequent basement flooding occurrences can cause long-term damage to the equipment and building not covered through insurance.

 To compensate for regular claims related to basement flooding, the insurance rates can rise.

 Also, the minimum deductibles can be significantly increased

 With the basement getting prone to frequent flooding, the value of property can depreciate

WHAT ARE THE REASONS THAT CAUSE BASEMENT TO FLOOD?

basement-flooding-2Before taking appropriate measures, it is important to identify basement flooding and its causes. These vary from problems associated with the municipal sewer systems that serve entire communities to problems within the household basement.

CAUSES FOR BASEMENT FLOODING:-

There are various reasons as to how water can enter the basement. Most likely, water in basement seeps during a period of heavy rainfall or when the snow melts rapidly during a thaw in spring season.

In such cases, your basement can get wet due to:-

 Poor drainage

 Crack or leak in the  basement walls

 Failure of foundation drains (weeping tiles)

 Plugged/leaking downspouts or overflowing eaves troughs

Basement flooding can also occur due to:-

 Wastewater back-up in sewer system (or a combination of rainwater and wastewater from the combined sewer system or sanitary sewer system)

 Blocked connection between main sewer in the street and your home

 Sump pump failure (in certain areas), used for pumping out weeping tile water

Most basements also get vulnerable to various disasters related to Natural River flooding. However, such calamities cannot be addressed by the individual homeowner.

VARIOUS MEASURES TO PREVENT BASEMENT FLOODING

Problems related to basement flooding are diagnosed best by working your way down from downspouts and eavestroughs, to the foundation and lot drainage and thereafter to the plumbing system – both beyond its connection to the municipal sewer system and inside your home. Hence, expert advice will ensure that the right and economical solution is advocated with less hassles.
basement-flooding-4
Downspouts and Eavestroughs

Water simply pours into downspouts off eavestroughs. If the downspouts pump-out  water just beside the foundation, it directly drains to weeping tiles, easily overloading the home’s drainage.

Ensure that the downspouts extend about 6 feet (1.8 meters) from basement wall. Also ensure that the water doesn’t get drained towards the neighbor’s basement walls. It needs to drain toward the street away from the house, the back lane or the rear yard.

If the downspouts get connected to the home’s weeping tile or sewer system, it simply disconnects them.

For this, it is important that you start cleaning debris from the eavestroughs on a regular basis. In case they overflow even when they are clean, replace them with larger size downspouts and eavestroughs.

Lot Grading Technique

If the land in and around the home starts sloping towards the foundation, rainwater first heads straight for the basement weeping tile, causing foundation drainage system to overload. Over a period of time, the land around the home settles and slopes towards the foundation. If the lot slopes inward, grade the lot and fill in the lot for about 6 feet or 1.8 meters around the foundation, this will ensure the land to slope away from the house.

It is important to build up a ground in and around the house such that the water starts draining from the basement walls. It’s also nice to examine the driveways, decks, patios and sidewalks. These can either cause water to drain back towards basement walls or settle over a stretch of time.

It is best to extend the downspouts so that the water doesn’t get collected next to windows and basement walls and just flows away from the house.

Proper form of drainage helps in:-

 Reducing the water amount flowing to the main sewer system and to the home’s sewer system and also reduce the sewer backup risk.

 Reduce water seepage into home through cracks in basement walls or through basement windows

 Maintain stable moisture content of the soil under and around the house so as to decrease cracking and shifting chances.

 In case the water collects next to basement, it could make its way to footings supporting the basement walls.

 Moisture causes the footings to settle or heave

 Just extend your sump pump’s life by decreasing the quantum of work it requires to do.

 Ensure that any drainage related improvements does not cause the water to flow into neighbor’s property.

DEVICES FOR BASEMENT FLOOD PROOFING

If there is an overload in the neighborhood’s or your home drainage system, you would still be in a position to prevent sewage and rain water from backing up into the basement through installation of either single or multiple flood proofing devices, such as back flow valves or sump pumps.

Every installation is unique in its own and few devices (such as back flow valves) would require a plumbing permit. Before you proceed with any installation, check with your qualified plumber or municipal office.

DRAINAGE SYSTEM OF A SUMP PIT

The drainage system of the sump pit involves a sump pump, a discharge pipe and a sump pit. Set into basement floor, the sump pit starts collecting water from the basement’s weeping tiles. Using a discharge pipe, the pump pushes water outside the house.

The sump pump discharge pipe should be placed such that:-

 It drains water into the segment of the property where the water could be absorbed easily, such as flower bed or lawn

 Fails to direct water onto neighboring streets, sidewalks, lanes or properties

SUMP PIT

Each year, after freeze up, make it a point to clean the pit. Drainage of weeping tile would carry small amount of debris, sand and soil into a pit from the basement foundation. If the water is logged for a long time, it remains in the pit causing a musty smell. If this is the case, pit flushing is extremely easy and best solution. It can be done by by streaming fresh water till the pump removes the stale water.

SUMP PUMP

Each spring, test and check your pump before the rains start. To trigger the pump’s operation, simply stream water into the pit.

At least once a year, remove and clean your pump. Before cleaning or handling, it is vital to disconnect pump from the power source. Very often, check the pit so that you can ensure that it is debris-free. Most pumps contain screen that covers the water intake. Hence, always make it a point to clean up the screen.

DISCHARGE PIPE OF SUMP PUMP

Simply check the place as to where the discharge pipe can leave the house. In case the pipe appears to discharge right against basement walls, the water drains down into weeping tiles, continuing its recycling process through the system. Regularly check the discharge point to ensure there is nothing that would block the flow.

In case the pump frequently runs in winter and if the resulting ice causes hazardous conditions on the sidewalks and the lawn, it is better to take the help of the municipal office.

BACKWATER VALVE

Backwater valve is a wonderful device which blocks sewage in the main overloaded sewer line from backing up into the basement.

If the sewer backs up, then the valve closes automatically. Here, it is important to place a properly installed backwater valve so that the sewage backup stops and hardly comes out through other basement outlets, such as laundry tubs, showers, toilets and sinks. Always ensure that at all times, you can get at the valve.
backwater-valve
Regularly check the valve and remove those materials which would prevent the proper operation of the valve. Normally, you would need an inspection and permit for installation of sump pit and backwater valve. As the basement floor would be partly dug up and as it is important to have proper item placement, seek a qualified contractor for plumbing purposes.

MAINTENANCE OF PLUMBING FIXTURE

Always have the qualified plumber inspect the plumbing fixtures and flood-proofing devices (i.e. floor drains, backwater valves, sump pumps etc.) regularly to ensure proper operation. For more safety guidelines and detailed information, check the operating instructions, or simply request the plumber to explain the system details.

ADDITIONAL MEASURES OF PROTECTION

You can also consider many additional measures as a way of flood protection.

BACKUP SUMP PUMP

Very often, severe storms are accompanied with power blackouts. Backup sump pump powered by a battery could be a highly prudent investment. Most pumps are made to simply fit in besides the main area of sump pump and also have the audible alarm, which warns the failure of the main pump, so that one could attend to its replacement or repair. There also are numerous water-powered sump pumps available which run by water and which flows through pump impeller.

BASEMENT FURNISHINGS AND FINISHES

In any event where the basement flooding risk appears possible, it is highly advisable to install impermeable wall and floor finishes like ceramic tiles, to make the cleanup easier and to lessen the damage. Ensure the basement furniture includes legs that keep furniture fabrics above flood waters.

A good alternative to complete broadloom are area rugs as they could be properly cleaned and removed in any flood damage event.

HOW DO FRENCH DRAINS PREVENT THE FLOODING OF BASEMENT

Also known as trench drain, French drain is a simple way to direct the water away from home foundations. It could be buried either underneath the basement floor or alongside the exterior foundation wall or the perimeter wall.

HOW CAN A FRENCH DRAIN BE CONSTRUCTED

A French drain, in simple terms, is a ditch that is slightly sloped away from foundation walls and is downhill. Thereafter, the ditch is lined or filled with gravel or rocks which permit any water to initially pool and then get absorbed and channeled away to the surrounding soils. To know more about French Drains, please read our post published on September 11 – “A basic look at French drains”.

Though one can further simplify the concept, the actual form of construction appears bit complicated. A French drain construction needs to initially consider a properly calculated slope that allows the type of piping material to be used and for proper drainage. You also need to think about the form of fill, like gravel, with the provision of access and with the pipe laying.

Thanks to selective landscaping, the entire system is kept in place. However, it still permits proper distribution of water.

Though the experienced and the do-it-yourself ones would like to tackle French drain installation project, it is better to appoint a professional for such task. In this manner, if there is anything which goes wrong, it could get corrected without unnecessary additional expense or without any worries.

On the other hand, in an under construction stage, majority of new houses now have the installation of French drain, externally running around the foundation walls.

WHERE DOES THE WATER GO

There are various ways by which French drain water can get distributed. For instance, it could get tied to the existing downspout. However, the water flushes back towards the house.

The water can be let out to the street club alternatively. However, this won’t be allowable under certain ordinances and city bylaws. Help from a professional will help to overcome such issues.
With the help of a larger lot, it becomes possible to use a French drain to direct water to the lawn. However, in reality, this simply moves wet region to the different area of the yard. Maintain high care against directing it into your neighbor’s yard.

LAW AND FRENCH DRAINS

While French drain appears to be a nice idea to prevent basement flooding, if you don’t do the initial checking, you may end in hot water or greater trouble. Before you dig, ensure you have the requisite permission. Some bylaws and area city codes prevent the building of drainage systems which affect the property of another neighbor adversely.

French drain construction puts unwanted water into the next-door neighbor’s yard, causing unwanted problems. Before you dig, you are also required to call local utility firms to avoid any pipes, underground cables, etc.

Overall, this project is better left to be completed under the able-guidance of a professional. All in all, hiring a black hole operator for digging and a surveyor for getting the slope right could be the best bet.

HOW CAN BATTERY BACK-UP PUMP OR FRENCH DRAIN GENERATOR BRIDGE GAP DURING POWER OUTAGES

There are many instances where the primary sump pump fails due to power outage or just wear and tear. An emergency backup sump pump is the best and the most intelligent solution to the problems that may arise due to the sudden failure of the primary sump pump.

Depending upon the provision of both water and electrical power in the basement area, one can choose to install either the Battery Backup Sump Pump System or the Water Powered Sump Pump System.  The battery backup sump pump system is powered by DC electricity and relies upon an included battery charger to maintain full battery charge always. It also provides additional capacity. During the power outage, the water level rises to activate the emergency backup sump pump. This is easy to install and sufficient to prevent basement flooding in over 99% of temporary power cuts.

Water powered sump pump systems are the most worry-free backup sump pump technology available in the market today. It requires zero maintenance with just a simple test every 6 months to check the unit functionality. Instead of using electrical power, these pumps rely on the force generated by the flowing city water to suck the water out of the basement sump. These are installed as independent units and can remove nearly 2 gallons of water from the basement for unlimited time as long as there is no interruption from the city water is faced.

Another alternative which is generally not the most practical solution is the installation of the automatic/ gas powered generators to keep the basement dry even during floods.

Check with a professional in your area who can help you take the best and effective measure to keep your basement dry even during the rains.  If you are a resident of Pennsylvania suffering from basement problems and if your house is located in any of these regions, call us at 800 771 – 3244 or visit us at http://www.keystonebasementsystems.com/about-us.html. Schedule your appointment and seek solution to your basement woes, now!

“Keystone Basement Systems, Inc. is a foundation repair company. KBS is not, however, a engineering firm and should not be considered as such.”

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Posted in Advice, Basic Information, Remedial measures | 27 Comments »

Home Insulation:How Air Sealing Your Basement and Other Areas Can Be Beneficial

November 26th, 2009

basement-air-sealing-1There can’t be a cheap and effective measure to ensure longevity of basement walls than proper Air -Sealing in basements. Besides, it also helps conserve energy. Basement air sealing prevents warm heated air from escaping and cold winter air from entering the heated space. By this method minor cracks or openings of the building are sealed using weather stripping, foam, caulk and other materials. According to the American Department of study, basement air sealing lowers space heating consumption by 18 to 30 percent.

HOW AIR INFILTRATES

The external cold air enters the house through various wide and hairline openings and cracks during thewindy or cold weather. Irrespective of the fact that  the basement is old or new, the best recommended strategy is to reduce air leakage to the greatest extent by maintaining  controlled ventilation.

PRIORITIES

Though outside walls, doors and windows are the main source for air leakage,  small cracks and openings hidden from normal view permits air leakage considerably. Many homeowners are unaware that cold air leaks into the house through small openings around the window frames and doors and even through chimneys and fireplaces. External air also enters living space from other unheated portions of the house, such as crawl spaces, basements and attics. Also known as bypasses, these pathways and openings connect the house to the basement, crawlspace or attic. To effectively reduce the air-infiltration, it is important to seal the big cavities, followed by penetrations and large cracks and the smaller seams and gaps.

basement-air-sealing-2AREAS THAT NEED TO BE WATCHED FOR AIR LEAKS

Air enters the building through cracks in ceilings, floors or walls, where the two walls meet and where the wall meets the interior door frame or ceiling. The other openings to watch out for include gaps through and around switch boxes and electrical outlets, recessed cabinets and lighting fixtures. One also needs to check the false ceilings such as bathroom soffits, kitchen soffits and pull-down stairs.

 Shower stall units and behind the bath tubs, plumbing connections, various floor cavities of finished attics located adjacent to several unconditioned attic spaces.

Often, these over-looked gaps of the house are more responsive to air leaks than the greater and obvious fissure found around doors and windows. As most leakage paths are driven based on the tendency of warm air to rise, very often, it is the attic that is the best and easiest place to stop the leaks. Before working on the attic insulation, sealing the leaks is highly important as the insulation would hide them, making them less accessible and the receptive points for external air. Air can blow in to the house if the cracks are not sealed prior to insulation thereby not allowing the desired level of energy savings.The dust carried by the external air stains the insulated area thus indicating the presence of cracks in the building.

Below are some openings to look out for:-

 Top openings of wall cavities of interior partitions, situated  in and around chimney

 Around the entry door or attic trap door

 Areas above dropped ceilings and staircase ceilings, in and around the pipes (look behind your toilets and underneath your sinks) and

 Ducts penetrating the attic floor or wall

 The other areas to watch out for leaks are situated in the ductwork, wiring penetrations, plumbing chases through top plates of walls and in-between conditioned and attic space

 Bypasses happen at the framing’s key junctures (like attic-to-knee wall transitions), allowing huge quantities of air to leak in and out of the house. The band joist for door rough openings in the walls, windows, exterior sheathing, and drywall are primary spots for air leakage. The right materials are to be used to seal the leaks permanently.

basement-air-sealing-4WHICH MATERIALS TO BE USED

Many materials are available from home improvement stores or local hardware stores to seal the air links. To apply, you can use a combination of various air-sealing materials. Below is the list which offers guidelines and description to utilize the materials.

CAULK

It seals less than ½” gap. Select the grade (high temperature, exterior, interior) based on the area of application and go through the  cleanup and application information instructed by the manufacturer. .

SPRAY FOAM

Helps fill small holes and large cracks. It could be messy if not very careful. Latex-related foams are the best suggested in spray foams. It is advised not to use this near flammable areas of the building.

BACKER ROD

Rope caulk or closed-cell foam. Simply press into gap or crack with putty knife or screwdriver. Very often, the backer rod is used along with door rough openings and cracks around window sill.

 House Wrap: This is usually installed over exterior sheathing. It needs to be sealed with caulk or house wrap tape which forms airtight seals. Though it resists water, it isn’t a vapor barrier.

 Insulation: Several forms of insulation could be utilized to stuff large bypasses or holes only when they are used with various other air sealing materials.

 Sheet goods (rigid foam, drywall and plywood insulation): These materials help to form air barriers. Usually, the air leaks at unsealed penetrations or seams.

 Sheet metal: This is used with high temperature caulk to seal various components such as chimneys and flues.

basement-air-sealing-5Polyethylene plastic: These inexpensive materials, when used for air sealing purposes, stop the diffusion of vapor. For effective air barrier, all penetrations and edges need to be completely sealed off. As poly tears easily, it has to be well placed to prevent the warm inside air from penetrating out through the ceilings or walls.

 Storm window Kits: These are available at any hardware or home improvement store. You can easily apply them over leaky windows.

 Weather stripping: You can use them to seal various moveable components, like attic accesses, windows and doors.

 Foil-faced or mastic tape: This seals all duct connections, joints and air handlers. For clean surfaces, always apply foil tape.

Using the above mentioned air-sealing materials, you can treat the below mentioned areas:-

 Upper portions of wall cavities of interior partition wall – Just staple plastic sheets over openings and seal them near edges with high quality caulk material.

 Around chimneys – pack gaps around insulated chimney with unfaced fiber glass insulation or rock wool.

 Avoid sealing hot and bare flue pipes with various combustible products.

 Around the entry door or attic trap door – just weather strip the edges. On the attic side of the door, place rigid foam insulation.

 For areas above dropped ceilings and staircase ceilings – simply staple plastic sheet over openings, sealing them with high quality caulking material around the edges.

 Look around the pipes (behind your toilets and under the sinks) and ducts penetrating the attic floor or wall – tightly packed insulation into gaps. You can also fill the area around it with polyurethane foam.

basement-air-sealing-6 On some occasions, the joints between floors and walls permit easy passage of air between the outdoor attic area and the heated part of the house. You can easily search for these joints in the space over porch ceiling or in the attic.

 Generally, these air leakage paths are found in Cape Cod type houses or in those instances when the attic space is transformed into living space. Similar arrangements take place when the second floor of three floored house appear larger than the ground floor, with overhand outdoors.

 A large source of air leakage is the joints located between the side walls and porch roof. If you can reach such areas, you can stop the leaks by covering the openings with plywood.

 If you find the areas difficult to reach, you can reduce the air leakage greatly by injecting foam insulation or high density insulation to the joints, reducing their air pathways.

 And, if the windows leak excessively, consider installation of plastic storm window kit, which is inexpensive and easy to install.

AIR SEALING

Before weather stripping, adjust the door to improve the seal. Also check the catch plate to ensure that the door shuts tightly against weather stripping. In an area where the floor meets the door, see to it that the threshold is adjusted to minimize infiltration. If the threshold isn’t sealed properly or is missing, you can install the weather seal. To improve door seal, simply install the door sweep. Though storm doors are advisable, they won’t be cost effective like storm windows. Duct leaks help reduce the amount of cooled or heated air which gets delivered into living spaces. In several older houses which have forced – air furnace, nearly 20 % of heated air is wasted through leaks, without getting delivered to the living spaces.

basement-air-sealing-7As compensation, homeowners simply turn the thermostat up, to receive the heat they require, which unnecessarily raise their heating bills. A highly effective conservation measure would be to seal all the duct leaks. While sealing the ducts, you can ensure that you use proper foil tape or mastic tape. The fabric type duct tape turns out to be highly ineffective as the adhesive dries after six months.

Homeowners can stop leaks from doors and windows either by weather stripping and caulking or by simply installing the plastic storm window kits from home improvement or hardware stores. Sealing of basement air leaks need attention to detail as even small leaks may cause significant loss of heat. Adequately sealed homes offer a comfortable environment, saving energy and unnecessary hassles for homeowners. If you feel that you are spending much on your electric bills in the event of heating your house, think about a professional who can help you identify and fix the concealed gaps and help you save energy.

If you are a resident of Pennsylvania suffering from basement problems, call us at 800-771-3244 or visit us at http://www.keystonebasementsystems.com/about-us.html.

You may also contact Aaron Stull -IAQA expert on the official IAQ site: - Email Member

“Keystone Basement Systems, Inc. is a foundation repair company. KBS is not, however, a engineering firm and should not be considered as such.”

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Posted in Advice, Basic Information, Remedial measures | 28 Comments »

BASEMENT FLOORING - A look into various options

November 11th, 2009

Basement flooring is a highly important aspect for homeowners who wish to utilize their basement to the fullest. Besides, good basement flooring also enhances the overall beauty of the basement space.

Making the right floor choice for the basement is tricky as one has to consider about the probability of moisture looming through the floors. The options that are available in the market for a basement flooring redo are porcelain tiles, ceramics, laminate and hardwood floor. In this article we will share our thoughts to help you take an informed decision.

basement-flooring-1Selecting appropriate basement flooring becomes difficult especially if the basement problem appears complicated. For all basements, the biggest issue is unwanted moisture. Seeping below concrete, moisture weakens the adhesive bond used for tiles or floors to make the hardwood floors warp and buckle and also make the carpets get an elusive and stinky smell due to mold growth.

Another reason why it is a daunting task to select basement flooring is the humid environment of basement rooms and their high susceptibility to flooding from outdoor seepage and leakage pipes. Most options related to basement flooring include some sort of trade-off. The best way to start, however, is by knowing the options. Assuming that your basement is dry (either after having the moisture issues treated or naturally), you can start considering flooring based options. Below are some of the choices:-

Wood – One of the least viable of all the choices, wood flooring tends to rot, warp and buckle under highly moist conditions observed in most basements.

Carpet – Though carpet is inexpensive, it is more prone to mildew and mold issues – especially if flooding or leaks are a problem. However, padding carpet with anti-microbial lining may mitigate some issues related to moisture.

Tile - Tile is water resistant and decorative option, which could get directly installed to the concrete floor in good condition and is consistently dry. In other instances, a water resistant sub-floor will be advisable.

Laminates – Laminate based flooring would give the elegant look of wood with high moisture resistance. Since laminates are floating floors, they never get directly attached to the sub-floor. However, if you face any problems related to the lamination flooring , the repairs could be cumbersome.

Concrete – If you have a concrete floor ready, you can take the full advantage as concrete doesn’t get stained or painted. A polished concrete floor gives the plush look. Properly constructed concrete basement does not crack or leak water.

basement-flooring-3BASEMENT MOISTURE

Having discussed all the possible basement floor options to combat moisture related problems one would agree that wood floors can never be the ideal choice. Mold growth cases related to moisture is more common to wood floors. The risk will persist even if extra care to seal the wood floor with carpet or using a hardwood to the basement is decided on.  It is best to avoid wood flooring for basements with excessive moisture related problems.

However, if you are insistent about wood floors then you may consider engineered floor as an option. Engineered floors are the outcome of using three to five layers of different hardwood materials with a high density fiberboard core. This flooring is known to have a higher resiliency to humidity.

A decision on finishing the basement floor can be taken based on the utility of the room, personal taste and the budget on hand.

ADVANTAGES OF A SUB-FLOOR

The most comfortable options for flooring include sub-floor installations. . A sub-floor keeps the vinyl, linoleum, tile or whichever flooring you select away from any direct contact with cold concrete. Adequate insulation provided by the sub-floor makes the walking surface warm and comfortable. It would also dry up the finished floor and, in the event of any plumbing leak; the sub-floor would permit the finished floor to dry. Any sort of flooring could be installed on the sub-floor – wood, bamboo, tile, linoleum, carpet, etc.

basement-flooring-4RADIANT HEAT SYSTEM USAGE FOR FLOORING BASEMENTS

Basement floors are generally known for cold and damp attributes that are unbearable to the bare foot. Radiant heating systems are installed to distribute consistent warm temperature that is absorbed by the basement surrounding. When compared to a forced air systems, this technology guarantees a cleaner room without stirring up dust or allergens. According to studies conducted in houses with radiant heating, dust mite occurrence has decreased by 80%.  With this technology becoming popular more choices in terms of energy efficiency, environmental considerations and simplicity are available to the purchaser.

If you have any basement moisture based problem, it is better to resolve the issue, before installing any type of floor treatment, including carpet. To resolve moisture based problems, work with a licensed contractor.

If you are a resident of Pennsylvania suffering from basement problems, call us at 800-771-3244 or visit us at http://www.keystonebasementsystems.com/about-us.html.

You may also contact Aaron Stull -IAQA expert on the official IAQ site: - Email Member

“Keystone Basement Systems, Inc. is a foundation repair company. KBS is not, however, a engineering firm and should not be considered as such.”

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Posted in Advice, Basic Information, Consultants, Remedial measures | 22 Comments »

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